Loneliness in the modern age Essay Example for Free

Loneliness in the modern age Essay Loneliness is inevitable; it is crafted out of the modern world and thus is inseparable from it. It is so pervasive that to be human is to be lonely (as cited in Rokach, 2004). Humankind is continually struggling to escape the solipsistic prison of painful alienation, the agonizing pain of loneliness, and its gnawing, saddening, and terrifying effects (as cited in Rokach). This everlasting battle drives peoples lives the fear motivates people to attend to and connect with others but in a self-protective and paradoxically self-defeating fashion (Cacioppo, Hughes, Waite, Hawkley, Thisted, 2006). Social isolation is a more tangible seclusion as opposed to the subjective experience of feeling lonely which is the longing to fit in and the resultant experience when one cannot. However, both experiences are particularly prevalent in North American culture. Individuals of the contemporary Western society are subject to comparatively high levels of loneliness and social isolation a result of increasing reliance on technology, selfish ideals, and the pressure culture places to develop relationships. This culminates in poor psychological health and quality of life, creating a cycle of further alienation. Western culture is to blame for the increasing levels of social isolation among the population. North Americans have significantly higher levels of loneliness compared to other cultures (Rokach Neto, 2005). Though humans inherently desire closeness, it is the mechanized society to which they belong that is forcing them apart by way of more leisure, either through affluence or unemployment, [living] longer, [increasing] our interaction with computerized equipment, and [continuing] to respond to various financial and corporate demands by frequent mobility (Rokach). It is the lifestyle of the modern world rather than a single source that sustains loneliness: normality is associated with such conditions as spiritual and emotional emptiness, Type A personality, and workaholism (as cited in Rokach Neto). Society is structured in such a way so that to eliminate loneliness is to eliminate all that Western culture thrives and is supported on. Without society as a supplement, people cannot survive either; and so, they are caught in the painful experience of loneliness. As Western society becomes more technologically advanced, social isolation is magnified proportionally. Increased reliance technology and the Internet has negative effects on psychological well-being, such as depression and loneliness (Junghyun, LaRose Wei, 2009). High school students with greater hours of engagement on the Internet have higher loneliness levels than the average users (Deniz, 2010). Increased internet usage is both the cause and effect of loneliness; the lonely turn to the virtual world for a sense of connection they cannot achieve in the real world. However, electronic connections cannot take the place of real relationships increased Internet use can increase social isolation as well as depression when it replaces more tangible forms of human contact. (Cacioppo Patrick, 2008, p. 260). As well, North American culture promotes traits such as individualistic success and competitiveness every man for himself. These values are the model for success and are only more pronounced in the modern era; thus, relationships on the whole have become superficial and exist primarily by necessity. Loneliness is a defining factor in the technologically-advanced and selfish Western world. Loneliness is a predominantly Western phenomenon yet the very same society illogically emphasizes the necessity of social connection. Not only does the modern age provide an environment where loneliness and social isolation thrives, it also heightens awareness of such conditions. Social connection involves feeling part of society and not alienated. Society itself encourages connectedness and meaningful relationships an ideal that the population shares. An overwhelming majority [of people rated] love, intimacy, and social affiliation above wealth or fame, even above physical health (Cacioppo Patrick, p. 5) when asked what gave them most happiness. However, loneliness is so prevalent that it is very difficult to attain these goals. As such, when harsh expectations are not met, the feeling of isolation is intensified. Loneliness in itself already causes suffering, but not meeting social requirements unduly worsens the experience. The individual greatly relies on the community for support, a sense of belonging, reciprocal sharing with others and ones sense of identity (Seepersad, Mi-Kyung Nana, 2008) thus, the perceived failure to society greatly weakens self-worth. The inherent need for closeness, amplified by the social expectation of having a romantic partner (Seepersad, Mi-Kyung Nana), prompts people to enter relationships simply to eliminate feelings of social inadequacy and emptiness. In Western countries, individuals view romantic relationships as possibly the most important and central source of love and intimacy (and thus as very needed and desired) (Seepersad, Mi-Kyung Nana). As a result, it appears, for instance, that a good number of marriages start as a panacea to loneliness (Rokach). However, expectations to have suffering eliminated by these artificial relationships are often not met hence the high divorce rate. These unfulfilled expectations resulting in a lack of real, meaningful relationships constitutes an inability to connect with others. This notion in turn is consistently associated with issues of self-esteem [and] perceptions of social competence. (Hall-Lande, Eisenberg, Christenson Neumark-Sztainer, 2007). Western cultures paradoxical expectations of close relationships in a lonely world only causes more suffering and further loneliness.

Rorschach Essay -- essays research papers fc

many, the word Rorschach is quite unknown and to others it is simply known as the inkblot test and even then, the real meaning of the Rorschach test is never acknowledged. The Rorschach inkblot test is a psychological projective test of personality in which a subject’s interpretation of ten standard abstract designs are analyzed as measure of emotional and intellectual functioning and combination. Also, like other projective techniques, â€Å"it is based on the principle that subjects viewing neutral, ambiguous stimuli will project their own personalities onto them, thereby revealing a variety of unconscious conflicts and motivations.† (Aronow; p 25)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This test, which is administered to both adolescents and adults, can also be used with children as young as three years old. The test provides information about a person’s thought process, perceptions, motivations and attitude toward his or her environment. It can also detect internal and external pressures and conflicts as well as illogical or psychotic thought patterns. There is a lot of confusion on the actual first creator and/or founder of this famous test.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Rorschach was named after a Swiss psychiatrist named Hermann Rorschach. He was born in 1884 in Zurich and died in 1922 due to complications with appendicitis. He was the original developer of the inkblots, but he did not use them for personality analysis like they are used today. Throughout his lifetime, Hermann took a deep interest in psychoanalysis, and during the early 1900’s he published several psychoanalytic articles. It was just in 1911 that he had begun experimenting with the interpretation of ink blots as a mean of determining introversion and extroversion. Although some people would think he was the first to do so, Rorschach was not the first one to study ink blots; among his famous forerunners of the inkblots are Leonardo da Vinci and Jusinus Kerner.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1921 the first edition was actually published by Ernest Bircher. The test appeared under the name of a book called Psychodiagnostik, which had actually been first written by Hermann Rorschach in 1919 but he had problems finding a publisher so it was not well received when it first came out. Since 1927 Hans Huber has been the publisher of the Rorschach test and the related book Psychodiagnostics (English ... ...ut turning the cards at odd angles or covering portions of the cards is considered as signs of brain damage.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In conclusion, even though the test was developed for purposes totally unrelated to accessing character structure and personality problems, psychologists today have found ways to use this test in order to help access personality and probe the unconscious mind. Also, despite all the controversy that is caused by this test regarding the results and if they are meaningless, there are still findings that even though throughout the decades it is used less, to this day it is still a number one choice to assess a personality. WORKS CITED Aronow, Edward. The Rorschach Perceptional Basis Content- Interpretation and Applications. Needham Heights, MA; Allyn and Bacon, p 24-40, 1994 James, W. Psychology; the briefer course. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1985 Piotrowski, Z. A. The movement responses of Rorschach Psychology. (2nd edition) Rickers-Ovsiankina,M.,(Ed) New York; Krieger Publishing, p 189-228 Sullivan, H. The Interpersonal Theory of Psychiatry. Perry, H and Gawer, M (ed) New York: W.W. Norton and Co. p 79, 1953

What Should Chateau Margaux Do?

What Should Chateau Margaux Do? Chateau Margaux, in Bordeaux region, has been the most splendid wines for many years with excellent reputation. Being the designated wine in the French State Banquet, the reputation is universal. There is limited room for the improvement of the brand images. With the rapid growth in the worldwide wine market, it is time for Chateau Margaux penetrating into it. China, one of the markets with rapid growth in economy, will be one of the best options. With the large population and growth in economy, the China wine market has expanded rapidly, especially for the wine in Bordeaux region. From the statistic from the China Wine Information Website, the import of wine from Bordeaux region has increased 82% in 2007 and soared 21 times in 8 years time. There is really a great opportunity for Chateau Margaux entering this huge potential market. In order to enter the China wine market, the top priority is to promote the brand and products. After cultivating in China market for years, French wines has become the pronoun of romance and elegance, and even the symbol of luxury. It is suggested that Chateau Margaux should set up a luxury store with wine cellar in China. The main purpose of the setting up is not selling wines in the stores, but increasing the publicity of the brand and products by holding different kinds of function. Since the first step is to let people know about Chateau Margaux, it is a good idea for Chateau Margaux inviting celebrities and wine critics to the open ceremony of the luxury store. Press conference can also be held to introduce Chateau Margaux to the public. This will be the stepping stone for Chateau Margaux entering the China market. As new to the China market, it is essential for Chateau Margaux taking part in some exhibitions and also wine tasting events, like the 2008China International Wine & Liquor Expo. In participating in the 2008China International Wine & Liquor Expo, which is the biggest wine professional exhibition in China, Chateau Margaux can let consumers know more about the products and even can take the benefits from the upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympic Game. However, during all the promoting functions, it is important to keep the image, â€Å"Chateau Margaux is a grand and luxury product† After promoting the brand and products to the public, Chateau Margaux should react quickly to suit with the China wine market. As most of the potential consumers in China are new to the high-end wine, they would like to know more information about the particular wine or even particular vintage, which is not included in the label of Chateau Margaux. A booklet introducing different Chateau Margaux wines will be published to let consumers have more in-depth information. Besides, it is possible for Chateau Margaux co-operating with China food enterprises since wine paired with food will be one of the ways to promote the products. Since the wine market in the rising economies countries like China increased so quickly, getting market shares in these places as quick as possible will promote the future growth of Chateau Margaux to the worldwide wine market. (521 words)

Historical Thinking And Other Unnatural Acts - 1047 Words

Kent Robertson HIS 6632 – Ritter Wineburg Book Review March 17, 2017 Historical Thinking and Other Unnatural Acts This week’s topic was the book Historical Thinking and Other Unnatural Acts by Sam Wineburg. There is an old quote that states â€Å"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it† (Santanya, 2006). This has long been the worry of educators and policy makers in the United States, how should history be taught and what parts of history are the best to teach? The focus of Wineburg is not which part of history or which version of history should be taught but he asks why teach history at all. As he states the answer is that history has the potential of humanizing us in ways that are offered sparsely in the other†¦show more content†¦Contextual thinking is a way to organize thoughts that relate to the same time period that a document or text was written, thus giving the student a better understanding of the big picture. He also focuses on teaching students to think like a historian. Some of the ways to guide the student in this way of thinking are s ourcing, contextual thinking, close reading, background information, etc. In guiding students to think how a historian thinks and to fully investigate questions that come up teaches them to tolerate complexity, adapt to new situations and to go deeper than the first answer that pops into their head. Using this approach one can teach students to resist the sources telling them what to think but allow them to take in all of the information, ask the appropriate questions and formulate their own opinions. Wineburg’s approach reminds me of the use of scaffolding in education. Scaffolding is the method of using techniques to move students toward stronger understanding and greater independence in the learning process. In my association with the concept of scaffolding I have used prior knowledge to bolster a lesson, study of the issue from a variety of ways, simplifying the lesson and presenting it in multiple parts and used vocabulary introduced prior to the lesson to ensure comprehension. The method that closely resembles Wineburg’s would be using prior knowledge to bridge knowledge gaps in the lesson at hand. As WineburgShow MoreRelatedChapter Of Historical Thinking And Other Unnatural Acts963 Words   |  4 PagesCOLLAPSE In the second chapter of Historical Thinking and Other Unnatural Acts, Sam Wineburg traces the evolution of educational psychology research on how history is learned and best taught. He reviews literature and studies, from the turn of the 20th century to today, concerning the pedagogy and learning of history. He continues his focus on the question: What can learning about history teach us and how can we best come to learn it? Much of the chapter surrounds the difference between â€Å"declarativeRead MoreSummary Of The Ruminant Animal Essay1259 Words   |  6 Pagesafflictions, specifically caused by instances of racial microaggression. She also brings attention to the preconceived ideas regarding race that stem from the unnatural, but historical events from America’s past. The narrator of Citizen encounters several incidents entailing being treated poorly due misjudgment; misjudgments stemming from the historical self. â€Å"Her house has a side gate that leads to a back entrance she uses for patients. You walk down a path bordered on both sides with deergrass and rosemaryRead MoreThe Connection Between Law And Morality1718 Words   |  7 Pagesclassical lines that of the governance of human being by dictates of pleasure and pain. One familiar way to think about the right thing to do is to ask what will produce the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people. This way of thinking about morality finds its clearest expression in the philosophy of Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832). Bentham argues that the principle of utility should be the basis of morality and law, and by utility he understands whatever promotes pleasure and preventsRead MoreMacbeth and Picture of Dorian Gray Essay1821 Words   |  6 Pagessipping a glass of vermouth an d orange-bitters. Dorian says she is beautiful, and he is not often wrong about things of that kind. Your portrait of him has quickened his appreciation of the personal appearance of other people. It has had that excellent effect, amongst others. Historical Values/Context: Was shunned by the public for it’s immoral and unorthodox nature. Hint of homosexuality Faustian Bargain – (decay of living standard) Cultural Values/Context: Values of humanity (fear of losingRead MoreRe Thinking Queer Bodies Through Law1412 Words   |  6 Pages RE-THINKING QUEER BODIES THROUGH LAW The paper is an attempt to examine body and its construction in the colonial period and its post colonial impact. I locate this body in the category of queer subject. The colonial administration created the category of the queer subject as a result of governance, i.e. through the adoption of Indian Penal Code (‘IPC’) in 1860. Section 377 of the IPC criminalized sexual offense against the order of nature (non-procreative sex). The paper historically drawsRead MoreChristianity And Homosexuality : The Way Of Thinking1395 Words   |  6 PagesSimilar to the ancient Greeks’ way of thinking, homosexuality in Christianity was considered taboo because of the way the homosexual acts (specifically sodomy) were considered to degrade one partner to the status of a female. An encyclopedia article in the Encyclopedia of Gender and Society, titled â€Å"Christianity and Homosexuality†, talks about how the way a person interprets the different lessons of the Bible can influence how they view homosexuality. Using the historical-critical way of reading the textRead MoreThe Christianity Of Modern Homosexuality1432 Words   |  6 Pagesthe creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason, God gave them up to degrading passions. Their women exchanged natural intercourse for unnatural, and in the same way also the men, giving up natural intercourse with women, were consumed with passion for one another. Men committed shameless acts with men, and received in their own person the due penalty for their error†¦They were filled with every kind of wickedness† (Pg. 133) These verses from the Bible show whatRead MoreSexual Identity1409 Words   |  6 Pageswas taught that sex before marriage was wrong. However, I did not personally believe this. I was skeptical about what I was taught, and usually examined the actions of others to base my own decisions. I listened to the experiences and opinions of others who had waited to have sex or had sex before marriage. I used critical thinking when making my decisions, but was always cautious about drawing any kind of conclusions on what was right or wrong. I also considered the alternative, not having sex. IRead MoreWhat Is Nature Or What It?1491 Words   |  6 Pagesbasis but also on a person-to-person basis. When many people are confronted with people of different viewpoints or opinions on a particular subject they often have the desire to conform that person’s options to their own. This creates a binary way of thinking. You either agree or disagree. This binary really is not affective however espe cially when discussing the topic of what is nature or what is natural. We all have different connotations attached to the word nature. None of these connotations are wrongRead MoreWhat Is Nature Or What It?1480 Words   |  6 Pagescultural basis but also unique to every person. When many people are confronted with different viewpoints or opinions on a particular subject, they often have the desire to conform that person’s opinions to their own. This creates a binary way of thinking. You either agree or disagree. This binary really is not effective, however, when discussing the topic of what is nature or what is natural because it is not a question that has a clear answer. We all have different connotations attached to the word